God Speed Juan Moises, My Grandfather/Mi Abuelo

Abuelo and I circa 1991

I don't know exactly when my grandfather Juan was born. Some time in the early 1930s. There is a lot I don't know about my grandfather, mi abuelito, that I wish I had.

My grandfather died tonight at 8:15 pm. I knew he was dying but I was in denial about it. I had a chance to talk to him on the phone but didn't. He was my only living grandfather, my paternal grandfather passed away before I was born, but he was mostly a stranger to me. The first and last time I saw him was in the summer of 1991 when I was 10 years old. I wish I could have spent more time with him but family relations kept us apart. I hope he knew he was loved and that he rests in peace.

Here are some photos from the time I got to visit him in NYC. Descansa en paz abuelito Juan.

My aunt Raquel, my mom, my grandfather and me.

My grandfather top left and my grandmother top third from the left.

My grandfather with his identical twin daughters Sarah (my mom) and Raquel (my aunt and namesake)

Abuelo Juan and me